How 'Points' Affect Your Driving Record

A person’s driving record is ever important. It affects how much they pay for insurance and even their job prospects from Farmington, Utah, to the East Coast. For this reason it is imperative that people follow the rules of the road, in order to stay out of trouble. When a person does happen to get pulled over and receives a ticket for a driving infraction or an intoxicated while driving crime, the infraction along with its severity, is kept track of by a point system.

In many cases, points are good. A person’s driving record is not one of those instances. Meaning, the more points on a person’s record, the more they will have to pay for auto insurance. Even if a person is involved in an auto accident, a lawyer will not be able to keep the points from being marked on a driving record.

If a person is involved in an auto accident too many times, or even minor traffic violations, they risk losing their insurance. In places like Farmington, if a driver manages to rack up 200 points over a three year period, they can lose their license outright. 

Each state has their own type of point system, although they are all somewhat similar. In Farmington and across Utah, a reckless driving infraction can earn a driver the need for a lawyer, as well as 80 points. Although speeding generally won’t require a lawyer, the infraction will still earn drivers 35 to 70 points—depending on the severity—according to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

In Utah, even seemingly minor infraction will get drivers a step closer to losing their license. Tailgating, for example, can earn a driver 70 points, because of the potential for an auto accident. If a driver taps the bumper of another vehicle, the action will earn them 50 points, regardless of the damage done.

Luckily, for those in Farmington with questionable records, points can slowly be reduced and removed. If a person commits no infractions for an entire year, their points will be reduced by 50 percent, according to the DMV. After two years of clean driving, all points will be removed. Poor drivers also have the option of taking a defensive driving class every three years, in order to remove even more points.

Just remember, even the most experienced auto accident lawyer will not be able to help you out with your driving record, so drive responsibly. 

Ian Carry is a legal writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry. Follow on Twitter.